Microsoft Extends Updates for Windows XP Security Products until July 14, 2015

Good news for Windows XP users.

Microsoft Extends Updates for Windows XP Security Products until July 14, 2015
Source: The Next Web
Published: January 15, 2014

 

Goddamnit... ><

Great for a lot of people, but my computer at work that uses XP has proven that age doesn't make things better. It's slow as hell and takes forever to process. Not including the fact the new program everyone HAS TO use causes the computer to stop working 99% of the time.

We have new computers, still boxed, waiting because of the lack of updates now. Now there's a reason to return them and wait another year with massive slow downs and crashes.

 

And so the sun sets yet again on what most assuredly was a very beautiful day. And though we may not get to see it rise once more, know that the memory will forever live on in our hearts. As the river of time flows on it carries with it a memory. If that memory serves as utensil for inspiration in any way, know that it has lived on. It has created new life in its own demise. That is the true meaning of immortality.

If you're a programmer and you didn't catch the reference/purpose behind that paragraph then gtfo.

On a serious note, it's both a blessing and a shame that this is happening. I understand it's not cheap to upgrade your systems but XP was getting really outdated. Like Sara said, XP computers are slow and buggy anymore. They were never really all that fast to begin with but in comparison to past operating systems it was extremely better. With windows 7 and even 8 (as many bugs as it might have) we see a progression. The new operating systems were inspired by XP. XP paved the way for responsive graphical user interfaces.

For those who don't know, you can still use windows XP after this date. It will no longer receive updates which means more vulnerability / susceptibility to viruses and the like. As long as you have a decent virus protection software on your system you should be okay. I'd imagine that most programs are going to stop supporting XP though. You could always switch to linux which is free. Most XP systems can support modern versions of linux. If you don't want to run the risk of getting a virus and losing support, linux is the way to go.

XP had its day in the sun but I think it's officially safe to say that the sun is setting.

-Shiranui

 

It's not only that, but there's the problem if you don't upgrade your computer hardware.

The computers at my office are 7 years old. I'm guessing it hasn't been upgraded since then because my boss can't really understand WHY it's important to also upgrade the technology and hardware, hell, she openly admits she hates using e-mail. It was okay for a while, but now, especially with the new program installed, our computers are prone to slow down, freezes and crashes. I'm guessing it's not only XP, which might also be an issue because I know certain programs are not compatible with older Windows, but the RAM is massively overwhelmed. Sorry for the rant. ><

But yeah, XP is just too old now and a lot of computer programs are probably not being made anymore to be compatible.

 

The extension is for the benefit of businesses that have yet to upgrade. Upgrading an entire network's OS system is not cheap or easy (depends on the size, really), so a lot of companies haven't gone through the upgrade. Its not as simple as installing a new OS, extensive program compatibility and network deployment testing needs to done to ensure that the programs they use are compatibly with the new OS. And a lot of companies use old software that more than likely won't work with a new OS. Its all about money. And the last time I checked, Microsoft weren't offering Windows 7 at all as an option for businesses. That may have changed now since Windows 8 has done so poorly. Then again, Windows 9 is planned for early next year so they may be aiming Windows 9 for those businesses that haven't upgraded their systems.

 

Adding to this, many school districts are still using Windows XP for similar reasons.

From a web development standpoint I'm not happy that Microsoft has extended support because that means older versions of IE will take longer to phase out, but I understand the decision from an economic standpoint; too many business & schools just can't afford to update. Home users really don't serve to lose anything from MS dropping support as long as they keep updated anti-virus software.